Medicare has identified frequent misuse of modifier -51 that is leading to underpayments. This is according to a recent issue of Medicare Quarterly Provider Compliance Newsletter (pdf), a newsletter from CMS developed to help providers understand the major findings identified by Medicare administrative contractors, recovery auditors and other governmental organizations, such as the Office of […]
Vintage Medicare Poster from 1968
This 1968 poster informs seniors about the Medicare program that was added to Social Security in 1965 (first benefits payable in 1966). Today, nearly 50 million Americans — 15 percent of the nation’s population — depend on Medicare for their health insurance coverage. With increasing life expectancies and more boomers turning 65 every day, the number […]
ICD-10: Are You Preparing for the Switch?
The deadline for the transition to ICD-10 is October 1, 2014. While that may seem far away, CMS notes that providers should expect ICD-10 testing to take up to 19 months. Therefore, it’s imperative for practices to be proactive and begin to implement a transition plan (if they haven’t started one already). For practices that […]
What Does The New Healthcare Reform Bring for Physicians?
Nov 5, 2010 – A key impact resulting from the new healthcare reform bill will be increased physician demand. This result will occur around 2014 when coverage is expanded. Medical billing service companies will continue to see growth as practices expand to accommodate this demand. Medicare payment adjustments could be made by the new Independent Payment […]
Payor Mix and Fee Schedule Examination
Nov 5, 2010 – Preventive medicine is an important part of good healthcare. The old saying of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure really does contain truth. Not only should patients be encouraged to follow a good preventive health schedule but it is also important for the practice to follow some sound […]
Red Flag Rule Deadline Postponed
Mar 7, 2011 – The Federal Trade Commission has once again pushed back the deadline for compliance of the Red Flags Rule until December 31, 2010. In Nov. 2007, the Federal Trade Commission issued a set of regulations, known as the “Red Flags Rule,” requiring the implementation of written identity theft prevention and detection programs to […]
Medical Billing – Physicians Options
Mar 28, 2011 – It’s no secret that the healthcare is inundated with paperwork. Many medical professionals claim they spend more time filling out forms than actually treating patients. A large portion of the endless pile of paperwork is related to coding, submitting and processing medical claims related to physician or medical billing. With no […]
Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period – Until 14th February Instead of 31st March
Apr 10, 2011 – According to Medicare.gov, recipients currently electing Medicare Advantage Plan, who wish to change, must do so by February 14th. The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period runs from 1st January, 2011 until 14th February, 2011 instead of 31st March. According to Medicare, the change in deadline was intended to create one clear enrollment period. […]
Selecting the Right Medical Billing Service – A Process Cheat Sheet
Apr 11, 2011 – Choosing the right Medical Billing Company from all the Medical Billing providers available is one of the most crucial business decisions a physician, practice manager or facility administrator must make. In practice, with over 7,000 Medical Billing Companies in the US, the decision making process can be rather difficult. Therefore a […]
Health Insurers Need to Work With Physicians To Reduce Administrative Costs
Apr 18, 2011 – Delays in physician payments by health insurers add to the cost of healthcare. These delays can affect patient care as medical office staff spends time and effort managing administrative obstacles set by insurers. Payment delays can be limited by the creation of standard claim submission processes, and improved claim automation and […]